Automobile blind spot detection system and method

ABSTRACT

A system is provided for detecting a blind spot for a driver of a vehicle. The system includes a side mirror. The side mirror is arranged on a body of the vehicle and includes a side mirror body, a mirror, and a supporting structure. The system also includes a detection system. The detection system is physically coupled with the side mirror to detect an object in a detection zone of the detection system. The detection zone covers the blind spot, and the detection system includes a detection module, an alert indicator, and a control module. The detection module includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver, and the alert indicator is configured to send an alert light to the driver at a predetermined angle such that the alert light does not interfere with drivers of other vehicles close to the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application generally relates to sensing and detection technologiesand, more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting automobileblind spots.

BACKGROUND

When turning or changing lanes, a driver of a moving vehicle often needsto look both the front and the back of the vehicle at the same time. Itmay be easy for the driver to overlook certain places such as blindspots. If there are other vehicles in blind spots of the moving vehicle,it could add danger to the driver. Therefore, in recent years, detectingother vehicles in the blind spots of a moving vehicle has been aresearch hotspot. Some techniques use parking radar installed at theside or top of a vehicle to perform the detection, while some othertechniques use an on-vehicle camera to capture images of the blind spotand to display the images on a screen, and so on. These techniques mayhave significant limitations. For example, the driver may be required towatch the display screen when turning or changing lanes, which oftendoes not fit the driver's usual driving habits. Therefore, there is aneed for new systems and methods for detecting objects in the blindspots of a moving vehicle.

The disclosed methods and systems are directed to solve one or moreproblems set forth above and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a system for detecting ablind spot for a driver of a vehicle. The system includes a side mirror.The side mirror is arranged on a body of the vehicle and includes a sidemirror body, a mirror, and a supporting structure. The system alsoincludes a detection system. The detection system is physically coupledwith the side mirror to detect an object in a detection zone of thedetection system. The detection zone covers the blind spot, and thedetection system includes a detection module, an alert indicator, and acontrol module. The detection module includes at least one of atransmitter and a receiver; and the alert indicator is configured tosend an alert light to the driver at a predetermined angle such that thealert light does not interfere with drivers of other vehicles close tothe vehicle.

Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by thoseskilled in the art in light of the description, the claims, and thedrawings of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary environment 100 incorporatingcertain aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrate an exemplary side mirror integrated with a blind spotdetection system consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary functional block diagram of blind spotdetection system consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrate an exemplary detecting process consistent with thedisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary a simplified infrared based detectionsystem consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrates exemplary alert indicator configurationsconsistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary detection zone configuration consistentwith the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary detection system configurationconsistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary detection zone configurationconsistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an exemplary combined detection systemconsistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate exemplary configurations of a detection systemconsistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate exemplary arrangements of a detection systemand a side mirror consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate exemplary arrangements of a detection systemand a side mirror consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate exemplary arrangements of a detection systemand a side mirror consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate exemplary arrangements of a detection systemand a side mirror consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate exemplary arrangements of a detection systemand a side mirror consistent with the disclosed embodiments; and

FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate exemplary arrangements of a detection systemand a side mirror consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary environment 100 incorporatingcertain aspects of the disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1A, ageneral vehicle 102 is equipped with a side mirror 108 at each side. Dueto different vehicle shapes and sizes, side mirror design, and driversitting positions, a driver of vehicle 102 may have a blind spot 104 oneach side. A blind spot, as used herein, may refer to one or more placesaround the vehicle that cannot be viewed by the driver in an ordinarydriving position. In order to view these areas, it may be necessary forthe driver to physically turn and move one's head to look at thoseareas. Because of the physical efforts involved, many drivers do notaccomplish thorough checks of their blind spots before executing a turnor lane change, which may cause hazardous conditions for both the driverand other vehicles in the blind spots.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a blind spot detection system is physically coupledwith (e.g., integrated with) side mirror 108, and the blind spotdetection system may be able to detect any moving object within adetection zone 106 on each side of vehicle 102. Further, as shown inFIG. 1C, the detection zone 106 is large enough and schematicallypositioned to cover blind spot 104 to ensure accurate detection ofobjects in the blind spot 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side mirror integrated with a blind spotdetection system consistent with the disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIG. 2, a side mirror 108 is attached to a vehicle 102. Side mirror 108may include any appropriate type of manual or automatic side mirror usedin automobiles. Further, side mirror 108 may include a mirror structure204, a mirror 206, a mirror control 208, and a blind spot detectionsystem 220. Other components may also be included. Although FIG. 2 showsa right side mirror, a left side mirror, or a rear-view mirror may besimilarly provided.

Mirror 206 may include any appropriate mirror for the driver to viewside and rear directions of the vehicle, such as a glass mirror or othertype of mirror. Mirror control 208 may include any appropriatestructure(s) for supporting the mirror 206 and for controllingorientations and reflection directions of mirror 206. Further, blindspot detection system 220 is provided to detect objects in a blind spotof side mirror 108 equipped on vehicle 102. Blind spot detection system220 may include a detection module 222, a control module 224, an alertindicator 226, and a housing 228. Other devices may also be included.

Detection module 222 may include any appropriate sensing devices fordetecting the presence of objects, such as a vehicle or a motorcycle,within a given distance and spatial location based on any appropriatetechnologies, such as ultrasound or infrared technologies. For example,detection module 222 may include various probes, sensors, detectors,and/or other devices. Control module 224 may include any appropriateprocessor and circuitry to operate and control blind spot detectionsystem 220. Further, alert indicator 226 may include any appropriatealert indicating mechanism to alert the driver of any object detectedinside the blind spot.

Housing 228 may be structure to install and secure the above variouscomponents of blind spot detection system 220, and may be made from anyappropriate materials, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel), plastic,rubber, silicone, organic materials, and/or other suitable materials.Further, housing 228 may be incorporated into side mirror 108 as a partof side mirror 108 or may be integrated with side mirror 108 to be apart of side mirror 108. Housing 228 may also be attached to side mirror108 as a separate part. Further, housing 228 may be located at the outerside of side mirror 108 such that the detection module 222 may be placedat a desired location (e.g., at front part and the most outer part ofthe vehicle 102) to have a desired detection view of the blind spot.Other locations may also be used.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary functional block diagram of blind spotdetection system 220 consistent with the disclosed embodiments. As shownin FIG. 3, blind spot detection system 220 may include a controller 302,an ultrasound transmitter 304, an ultrasound receiver 306, an alertmodule 308, a wireless transmitter 310, and a wireless receiver 312.Other components may be included and certain components may be omitted.

Controller 302 may include any appropriate type of general purposemicroprocessor, digital signal processor or microcontroller, andapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Controller 302 may alsoinclude other units such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), a communication interface, an input/output interface, and drivingcircuitry, etc., for proper operation. For example, controller 302 mayexecute sequences of computer program instructions to perform variousprocesses associated with blind spot detection system 220. Controller302 may an independent module within blind spot detection system 220, ormay be coincide with any on-board processors or controllers of vehicle102.

Ultrasound transmitter 304 and ultrasound receiver 306 may include anyappropriate devices for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals,respectively. Ultrasound transmitter 304 and ultrasound receiver 306 maybe incorporated into detection module 222 to detect the blind spot usingultrasound signals. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process 400 fordetecting the blind spot using ultrasound signals.

As shown in FIG. 4, detection system 220 (e.g., controller 302) mayfirst initialize the system including, for example, self-testing,calibrating, and/or performing other start up processing (402).Detection system 220 may send out ultrasound pulses to detect an objectwithin a detection zone covering the blind spot of the vehiclecontaining detection system 220 (404). Any appropriate ultrasoundtechnology may be used, and the ultrasound transmitter 304 may be usedto send the pulses. If there is any object in the detection zone,certain pulses sent out by detection system 220 may be reflected backfrom that object, and detection system 220 may wait for receiving anyreturned or reflected-back ultrasound pulses.

Further, detection system 220 may determine whether any returnedultrasound pulses are received (406). If detection system 220 determinesthat no pulse is returned or received (406; No), detection system 220may go back to 404 to continue sending out ultrasound pulses. On theother hand, if detection system 220 determines that certain returnedpulse or pulses are received (406; Yes), detection system 220 mayfurther determine whether the pulses received are true pulses (i.e.,previously transmitted ultrasound pulses reflected back from the object)(408). If detection system 220 determines that the received pulses arenot true pulses (408; No), detection system 220 may also go back to 404to continue sending out ultrasound pulses.

On the other hand, if detection system 220 determines that the receivedpulses are true pulses (408; Yes), detection system 220 may calculate adistance between detection system 220 and the reflecting object based onthe received pulses (410). Any appropriate predetermined algorithms maybe used to calculate the distance. Further, detection system 220 maydetermine whether the calculated distance is less than a preset value(412). The preset value may indicate a threshold of the distance orcloseness between the vehicle and the reflecting object within thedetection zone. This value may be set by the driver, automatically setto a default value stored in detection system 220, or configured by anon-board computer in the vehicle.

If detection system 220 determines that the calculated distance is lessthan the preset value (412; Yes), i.e., the reflecting object may be tooclose to the vehicle to be visible to the driver, detection system 220may alert the driver by any appropriate means (414). On the other hand,if detection system 220 determines that the calculated distance is notless than the preset value (412; No), detection system 220 may completethe detection process 400.

Returning to FIG. 3, alternatively and/or additionally, other wirelessdetection modules, such as wireless transmitter 310 and wirelessreceiver 312 may be used to detect the blind spot independently ortogether with the ultrasound transmitter 304 and ultrasound receiver306. Wireless transmitter 310 and wireless receiver 312 may use anyappropriate wireless signals, such as radio signals, infrared signals,electro-magnetic fields, etc. FIG. 5 shows a simplified infrared baseddetection system 500 consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 5, infrared detection system 500 may include anoscillation and modulation circuit 502, an amplifier and drive circuit504, an infrared transmitting diode 506, an infrared receiver 508, anamplifier and drive circuit 510, and an alert circuit 512. Oscillationand modulation circuit 502, amplifier and drive circuit 504, andinfrared transmitting diode 506 may be included in wireless transmitter310, and infrared receiver 508, amplifier and drive circuit 510, andalert circuit 512 may be include in wireless receiver 312. Other devicesmay also be included.

Oscillation and modulation circuit 502 may be used to create a detectionsignal. The detection signals may include both passive signals andactive signals. A passive signal may refer to a signal that is used forpassive detection based on the assumption that the object reflects backthe detection signal; while an active signal may refer to a signal thatis used for communication with other vehicles to notify the existence ofa blind spot situation.

Further, amplifier and drive circuit 504 may include any appropriatecircuitry to process the created detection signal such that theprocessed detection signal can be sent out by infrared transmittingdiode 506. On the receiving side, infrared receiver 508 may be used toreceive any incoming infrared signals, whether reflecting signals orcommunication signals, and amplifier and drive circuit 510 may be usedto process the received infrared signals. In certain embodiments,amplifier and drive circuit 510 may be coincide with amplifier and drivecircuit 504. Further, alert circuit 512 may be coupled to alert module308 to generate alerts for the driver if an object in the blind spot isindicated by the received infrared signals, or alert circuit 512 may beconsidered as part of alert module 308 to independently generate thealerts to the driver.

For example, the infrared transmitter may transmit into surroundingspace infrared signals at a certain strength. The infrared signals areintended to be received by other vehicles in the sounding space and tonotify the other vehicles that the vehicle might be blind spots of theother vehicles. Further, the infrared detector or receiver may bemounted on a rear-view mirror to detect whether there are infraredsignals transmitted from other vehicles within the detection zone, whichcovers the blind spot of the vehicle. When the infrared signalstransmitted from other vehicles are detected, the detection systemalerts the driver of the vehicle.

Although infrared signals are used as examples, the detection signalscan include infrared signals, optical signals, wireless signals, andother types of signals. In certain embodiments, the detection system(e.g., the infrared transmitter) may load digital information about thevehicle including orientation coordinates, speed, driving direction, andvehicle identification number onto the detection signals to betransmitted into the surrounding space and to be received by othervehicles in the surrounding space.

Returning to FIG. 3, alert module 308 may include any appropriatecircuitry and devices to alert the driver of any object in the blindspot of the vehicle. For example, alert module 308 may include alertindicator 226 for emitting an alerting light (e.g., a red light or anorange light) to the driver. Further, alert indicator 226 may beconfigured in such a way that only the driver of the vehicle can see thealerting light and drivers of other vehicles cannot see the alertinglight so as to avoid interference or confusing for the other drivers(e.g., turning light, etc.). As shown in FIG. 6A, a transmitting angleα_(A) may be configured for the alert indicator 226 to limit thealerting light from the alert indicator 226 to only the driver of thevehicle. The transmitting angle α_(A) may be achieved by configuring thealerting indicator 226 or by using an external mechanical structure tolimit the alerting lights to the transmitting angle α_(A). Otherconfigurations may also be used. FIG. 6B shows an alternativeconfiguration of alert indicator 226. As shown in FIG. 6B, alertindicator 226 is mounted on an outer side of the mirror 206 to similarlyachieve the transmitting angle α_(A).

Returning to FIG. 2, as previously explained, detection system 220 maybe used to detect any object in a detection zone, which covers the blindspot. Because the detection zone in general is larger than the blindspot, it is possible that the driver may still be able to see the objectwhen the alert indicator 226 is indicating an alert situation. This maybe desired in that the driver is put on alert and can easily tellwhether there is any real danger if the driver wants to turn or changelanes. The detection zone may be configured as so to achieve a desiredbalance between real alerts and pseudo alerts (i.e., alerts for thoseobjects still visible to the driver). FIG. 7 shows an exemplarydetection zone configuration consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 7, detection module 222 or a detector of detectionmodule 222 may be configured to have an angle α₁ with a centerline ofthe vehicle 102. The angle α₁ be referred as a first desired detectionangle so as to avoid detection interference from the vehicle itself,such as reflecting detection signals, etc. Further, to adjust desiredblind spot coverage, detection module 222 or a detector of detectionmodule 222 may be configured to have an angle α₂ for transmittingdetection signals. The transmitting angle α₂ be referred as a seconddesired detection angle so as to determine a size of the detection zonetogether with the angle α₁.

FIG. 8 shows another exemplary configuration of detection system 820. Asshown in FIG. 8, detection system 820 may be integrated with mirror 204through rotating structure 802. That is, the difference betweendetection system 820 and detection system 220 as in FIG. 2 may be thatthe detection system 820 includes the rotating structure 802. Otherwise,in the present disclosure, the detection system 220 and the detectionsystem 820 may be used interchangeably. Further, rotating structure 802may include any appropriate structure, such as a pivot, such thatdetection system 820 may be adjusted when integrated with mirror 204. Byadjusting the rotating structure 802, the detection zone of detectionsystem 820 may be adjusted during operation manually and/orautomatically. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first desireddetection angle α₁ may be adjusted by adjusting the rotating structure802, while keeping the same second desired detection angle α₂.

Further, more than one detection system may be used. In addition todetection system 220 (or detection system 820) integrated with mirror204, extra detection system 220 may also be mounted on other parts ofthe vehicle to form a combined detection system. FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate such as combined system consistent with the disclosedembodiments.

As shown in FIG. 10A, vehicle 102 may include a primary detection system1002 having a first detection zone 1004 and a secondary detection system1006 having a second detection zone 1008. Any appropriate number ofdetection systems and detection zones may be included.

Primary detection system 1002 (e.g., detection system 220) may beprovided as the main detection system for detecting any object in theblind spot and for alerting the driver of the detected object. Primarydetection system 1002 may be integrated with side mirrors of vehicle102. On the other hand, secondary detection system 1006 may be asimplified detection system 220 including part or all of thefunctionalities of detection system 220. Secondary detection system 1006may be placed on the side or rear end of the vehicle 102 and may supportthe primary detection system 1002 to provide more accurate detections.

For example, in one embodiment, secondary detection system 1006 may onlyinclude an ultrasound or wireless transmitter without receivers. Theadditional signal transmitted from the secondary detection system 1006may be received by primary detection system 1002 as an additionalreference signal from a different location to provide more accuratecalculation about the location and distance of any object in both thedetection zone 1004 and the detection zone 1008. That is, a newdetection zone may be defined based the detection zone 1004 and thedetection zone 1008.

In another embodiment, secondary detection system 1006 may only includean ultrasound or wireless receiver without transmitters. The secondarydetection system 1006 may receive reflecting signals from the detectionsignal sent by the primary detection system 1002, and may calculate anadditional reference signal with respect to signals received from adifferent location and may provide the additional reference signal tothe primary detection system 1002 for more accurate calculation aboutthe location and distance of any object in both the detection zone 1004and the detection zone 1008.

In another embodiment, secondary detection system 1006 may include anultrasound or wireless transmitter and an ultrasound or wirelessreceiver, and may collaborate with the primary detection system 1002.For example, the primary detection system 1002 and the secondarydetection system 1006 take turns to transmit detection signals or maytransmit detection signals simultaneously. The additional signalstransmitted from either the primary detection system 1002 or thesecondary detection system 1006 may be received by primary detectionsystem 1002 and secondary detection system 1006 as additional referencesignals from different locations to provide more accurate calculationabout the location and distance of any object in both the detection zone1004 and the detection zone 1008. And primary detection system 1002 andthe secondary detection system 1006 may then compare the detectionresults to determine whether an object is detected. FIG. 10B shows acombined detection of other vehicles in the blind spots of vehicle 102by using a primary detection system on side mirror and a secondarydetection system on rear side of the vehicle 102.

As previously explained, detection system 220 may include wirelesstransmitter 310 that can transmit both passive signals and activesignals. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary configuration of detection system220 using active wireless signals.

As shown in FIG. 11A, detection system 220 may be installed on vehicle102 to transmit a wireless signal (e.g., infrared, radio etc.) as anactive communication signal to another vehicle 1102 when vehicle 102 isin the blind spot of vehicle 1102. The wireless signal can then bereceived by a detection system (e.g., detection system 220) on thevehicle 1102. The detection system on the vehicle 1102 may theninterpret the received signal according to a predetermined protocol andmay alert the driver of vehicle 1102 of the vehicle 102 being in theblind spot.

FIG. 11B shows another configuration of detection system 220 usingactive wireless signals. As shown in FIG. 11B, at least one wirelesstransmitter 310 may be separately placed on side mirror body 204 in afront-facing direction such that detection system 220 may transmitactive signals using the wireless transmitter 310.

FIG. 11C shows another configuration of detection system 220 for usingactive signals. As shown in FIG. 11 c, at least one wireless transmitter310 may be separately placed on side mirror body 204 in a front-facingdirection such that detection system 220, which is integrated with sidemirror body 204 using rotating structure 802, may transmit activesignals using the wireless transmitter 310.

FIG. 11D shows another configuration of detection system 220 usingactive signals. As shown in FIG. 11D, at least one wireless transmitter310 may be separately placed on other parts of the vehicle 102, such asat a center location of the front of vehicle 102. Other positions mayalso be used.

In practice, detection system 220 may use both active signals andpassive signals. In other words, detection system 220 may include one ormore separately-mounted front-facing wireless transmitter 310 as well asone or more rear-facing wireless transmitter 310 within detection system220. Further, similar to wireless transmitter 310, one or moreultrasound transmitter 304 may also be placed separately in afront-facing or side-facing direction to increase accuracy,completeness, and flexibility of the detection system 220.

In the above disclosure, detection system 220 is either incorporatedinto side mirror body 204 or integrated with side mirror body 204. Thatis, detection system 220 becomes a part of side mirror body 204.However, detection system 220 may also be an add-on system or anindependent system, with its own housing separately attached to certainparts of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, detectionsystem 220 is separately attached to the outer side of side mirror body204 of vehicle 102. Or, as shown in FIG. 12B, detection system 220 isseparately attached to the top side of side mirror body 204 of vehicle102. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12C, detection system 220 isseparately attached to the bottom side of side mirror body 204 ofvehicle 102.

FIGS. 13A-13D illustrates exemplary arrangements of detection system 220and side mirror 108. As shown in FIG. 13A, all components of detectionsystem 220, including control module or control circuitry 224, alertindicator 226, and wireless transmitter 310, etc., are within detectionsystem 220, and detection system 220 is mounted on the outer side ofside mirror body 204 of vehicle 102.

As shown in FIG. 13B, most components of detection system 220, includingcontrol circuitry 224 and wireless transmitter 310, etc., except alertindicator 226, are within detection system 220, and alert indicator 226is mounted on the inner side of side mirror body 204. Further,similarly, detection system 220 is mounted on the outer side of sidemirror body 204 of vehicle 102.

As shown in FIG. 13C, most components of detection system 220, includingcontrol circuitry 224 and wireless transmitter 310, etc., except alertindicator 226, are within detection system 220, and alert indicator 226is mounted on the outer edge of mirror 206 of side mirror 108. Further,similarly, detection system 220 is mounted on the outer side of sidemirror body 204 of vehicle 102.

As shown in FIG. 13D, certain components of detection system 220,including wireless transmitter 310, etc., except control circuitry 224and alert indicator 226, are within detection system 220. Controlcircuitry 224 is mounted on an inner side of side mirror body 204 andalert indicator 226 is mounted on the outer edge of mirror 206 of sidemirror body 204. Further, similarly, detection system 220 is mounted onthe outer side of side mirror body 204 of vehicle 102. Alternatively,only a portion of control circuitry 224 may be mounted on the inner sideof side mirror body 204, while the remaining portion of controlcircuitry 224 may be within detection system 220.

Further, when attaching detection system 220 to side mirror body 204,various attaching structures and/or shapes may be used. For example,based on the dimension and shape of side mirror body 204, the shape ofdetection system 220 may be made into crown-shaped, prism-shaped,sphere-shaped, bar-shaped, block-shaped or other appropriategeometrically-shaped as so to be attached with side mirror body 204seamlessly and with desired appearance and functionalities. FIG. 14Ashows a side view and a cross-section view of a crown-shaped detectionsystem 220 attached to side mirror body 204.

As shown in FIG. 14A, a crown-shaped detection system 220 is attached toside mirror 108 of vehicle 102 at the outer edge of the side mirror body204. Within the crown-shaped detection system 220, wireless transmitter310 is positioned close to the portion of detection system 220connecting to side mirror body 204 and front-facing, detection module222 is positioned at the lower end of the crown shape, and alertindicator 226 and control circuitry 224 are positioned at the inner sideof outer wall of side mirror body 204.

FIG. 14B shows a side view and a cross-section view of a prism-shapeddetection system 220 attached to side mirror body 204. As shown in FIG.14B, a prism-shaped detection system 220 is attached to side mirror 108of vehicle 102 at the outer edge of the side mirror body 204. Within theprism-shaped detection system 220, wireless transmitter 310 ispositioned close to the portion of detection system 220 connecting toside mirror body 204 and front-facing, detection module 222 ispositioned at the lower end of the prism shape, and alert indicator 226is positioned at the inner side of detection system 220 above the edgeof side mirror body 204. Further, control circuitry 224 is positioned inthe inner side wall of side mirror body 204.

FIG. 14C shows a side view and a cross-section view of a sphere-shapeddetection system 220 attached to side mirror body 204. As shown in FIG.14C, a sphere-shaped detection system 220 is attached to side mirror 108of vehicle 102 at the outer edge of the side mirror body 204. Within thesphere-shaped detection system 220, detection module 222 is positionedat the lower end of the sphere shape, and alert indicator 226 ispositioned along a diameter direction of the sphere facing to thevehicle 102. Further, wireless transmitter 310 is positioned on sidemirror body 204, front-facing and close to the outer edge of the sidemirror body 204. Control circuitry 224 is positioned in the inner sidewall of side mirror body 204.

FIG. 14D shows a side view and a cross-section view of a bar-shapeddetection system 220 attached to side mirror body 204. As shown in FIG.14D, a bar-shaped detection system 220 is attached to side mirror 108 ofvehicle 102 at the outer edge of the side mirror body 204. Within thebar-shaped detection system 220, wireless transmitter 310 is positionedon the bar shape and front-facing, detection module 222 is positioned atthe lower end of the bar shape, and alert indicator 226 is positioned atthe inner side of detection system 220 above the edge of side mirrorbody 204. Further, control circuitry 224 is positioned in the inner sidewall of side mirror body 204. The bar-shaped detection system 220 mayalso circle around the front of side mirror body 204. Other shapes andconfigurations may also be used.

In addition, when detection system 220 becomes a part of side mirrorbody 204, other different arrangements or configurations may also beused. FIGS. 15A-15C illustrates exemplary arrangements of detectionsystem 220 within side mirror body 204.

As shown in FIG. 15A, detection system 220 is placed in an upper part ofside mirror body 204. The detection system 220 may be placed in aseparate chamber independent from other mirror components, as shown inFIG. 15B, or in the same chamber as other mirror components, as shown inFIG. 15C.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrates other exemplary arrangements of detectionsystem 220 within side mirror body 204. As shown in FIG. 16A, detectionsystem 220 is placed in a lower part of side mirror body 204. Thedetection system 220 may also be placed in a separate chamberindependent from other mirror components, as shown in FIG. 16B, or inthe same chamber as other mirror components, as shown in FIG. 16C.

FIGS. 17A-17B illustrates exemplary arrangements of detection system 220within side mirror body 204. Similarly, detection system 220 can beplaced in an outer side part of side mirror body 204, as shown in FIG.17A, or in inner side part of side mirror body 204, as shown in FIG.17B. Other arrangements may also be used.

By using the disclosed systems and methods, blind spot detection systemscan be integrated with side mirrors of a vehicle or can be provided asseparate systems. Thus, the blind spot detection systems can beinstalled during vehicle manufacturing process, or can be easilyinstalled on existing vehicles by, for example, replacing the originalside mirrors with new side mirrors having integrated blind spotdetection systems. Or the separate blind spot detection systems can beeasily later attached to the original side mirrors at various locations.

Further, the disclosed blind spot detection systems can achieverelatively-high detection sensitivity without high detection accuracy.Because the alert indicators are also located on side mirrors, thedriver can be alarmed by even a false alert without any adverseconsequence, as long as there is no missing alert. Therefore, it may beless expensive and complex to design and manufacture the blind spotdetection systems than the conventional systems.

Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of thedisclosure herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with the scope being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. A system detecting a blind spot for a driver of a vehicle,comprising: a side mirror arranged on a body of the vehicle, wherein theside mirror includes a side mirror body, a mirror, and a supportingstructure; and a detection system physically coupled with the sidemirror to detect an object in a detection zone of the detection system,the detection zone covering the blind spot, wherein the detection systemincludes: a detection module including at least one of a transmitter anda receiver; and an alert indicator configured to send an alert light tothe driver at a predetermined angle such that the alert light does notinterfere with drivers of other vehicles close to the vehicle, wherein:the detection system is integrated into the side mirror body at an outerside of the side mirror body and the detection module of the detectionsystem is arranged at a first desired detection angle against acenterline of the vehicle; and the alert indicator is placed at theouter edge of a surface of the mirror. 2-6. (canceled)
 7. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the detection system is integrated intothe side mirror body as a part of the side mirror through a pivot suchthat the first desired detection angle can be adjusted.
 8. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the detection module is configured tohave second desired detection angle for transmitting detection signalssuch that a desired detection zone can be defined by the first desireddetection angle and the second desired detection angle.
 9. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: a secondary detection system placed at adifferent part of the vehicle and configured to transmit additionaldetection signals as reference signals to be used by the detectionsystem in addition to own detection signals.
 10. The system according toclaim 1, wherein: a secondary detection system placed at a differentpart of the vehicle and configured to receive detection signals sent bythe detection system and to calculate a reference signal to be used bythe detection system.
 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: asecondary detection system placed at a different part of the vehicle andhaving a secondary detection zone, wherein the detection system and thesecondary detection system collaborate on detecting the object in adetection zone that combines the detection zone and the secondarydetection zone.
 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein: thedetection module includes an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasoundreceiver; and the detection system further includes a control moduleconfigured to control operation of the detection system to perform adetection process, the detection process comprising: transmitting one ormore ultrasound pulses; determining whether any returning ultrasoundpulse from the transmitted ultrasound pulses reflected back from theobject in the detection zone is received; when the returning ultrasoundpulse is received, calculating a distance from the detection system tothe object based on the returning ultrasound pulse; determining whetherthe distance is within a predetermined threshold; and when the distanceis within the predetermined threshold, alerting the driver using thealert indicator.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein: thedetection system includes at least one infrared transmitter fortransmitting detection signals and the infrared transmitter ispositioned front-facing.
 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein:the detection signals are active signals containing a message to anothervehicle for notifying the another vehicle that the vehicle is in a blindspot of the another vehicle.
 15. The system according to claim 13,wherein: the infrared transmitter is placed on the side mirror body. 16.The system according to claim 13, wherein: the infrared transmitter isplaced on the front center of the vehicle.
 17. The system according toclaim 13, wherein: the infrared transmitter transmits into surroundingspace infrared signals at a certain strength; and the infrared signalsare intended to be received by other vehicles in the sounding space andto notify the other vehicles that the vehicle might be blind spots ofthe other vehicles.
 18. The system according to claim 13, wherein: thedetection system includes an infrared detector mounted on a rear-viewmirror to detect whether there are infrared signals transmitted fromother vehicles within a detection zone, wherein the detection zonecovers the blind spot of the vehicle; and when the infrared signalstransmitted from other vehicles are detected, the detection systemalerts the driver of the vehicle.
 19. The system according to claim 13,wherein: the detection signals include infrared signals, opticalsignals, and wireless signals.
 20. The system according to claim 13,wherein: the detection system loads digital information about thevehicle, including orientation coordinates, speed, driving direction,and vehicle identification number, onto the detection signals to betransmitted into surrounding space and to be received by other vehiclesin the surrounding space.
 21. A system detecting a blind spot for adriver of a vehicle, comprising: a side mirror arranged on a body of thevehicle, wherein the side mirror includes a side mirror body, a mirror,and a supporting structure; and a detection system physically coupledwith the side mirror to detect an object in a detection zone of thedetection system, the detection zone covering the blind spot, whereinthe detection system includes: a detection module including at least oneof a transmitter and a receiver; and an alert indicator configured tosend an alert light to the driver at a predetermined angle such that thealert light does not interfere with drivers of other vehicles close tothe vehicle, wherein the detection system is attached at an outer sideof the mirror body.
 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein: thealert indicator is placed on an outer edge of the mirror and at least aportion of the control module is placed at an inner side of the sidemirror body.
 23. The system according to claim 21, wherein: thedetection system is crown-shaped; the detection module is positioned ata lower end of the crown shape; and the alert indicator and the controlmodule are positioned at an inner side of an outer wall of the sidemirror body.
 24. The system according to claim 21, wherein: thedetection system is prism-shaped; the detection module is positioned ata lower end of the prism shape; and the control module is positioned inan inner side wall of the side mirror body.
 25. The system according toclaim 21, wherein: the detection system is sphere-shaped; the detectionmodule is positioned at an lower end of the sphere shape; and the alertindicator is positioned along a diameter direction of the sphere facingto the vehicle.